Debunking 8 Common Style Myths
Written by: https://goop.com/goop-authors/amanda-chung”>Amanda Chung
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Published on: August 30, 2022
Fashion editor: https://goop.com/goop-authors/sandra-slusarczyk/” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Sandra Slusarczyk
Photo courtesy of Anouk Yve
What are the so-called style rules that have stuck with you throughout the years? No white after Labor Day? Don’t mix navy and black? It’s time to rethink them. Ahead, we break down eight outdated ideas that it’s time to let go of.
myth 1:
Horizontal stripes make you wider; vertical ones make you look taller.
Fun fact: This oft-repeated idea was disproved by a https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233397358_Applying_the_Helmholtz_Illusion_to_Fashion_Horizontal_Stripes_Won’t_Make_You_Look_Fatter” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>scientific study in 2011. So instead of avoiding the cute maritime motif, you’re better off thinking about what kind of stripes to wear and how. Our fashion team’s advice? Narrower stripes—a quarter inch or thinner—are universally flattering. Style them with high-rise skirts and shorts to accentuate the waist.
ON MODELS:
https://goop.com/g-label-fabian-striped-button-up-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. LABEL FABIAN STRIPED BUTTON-UP SHIRT, goop, $395;
https://goop.com/g-label-dru-striped-shirting-bustier/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Dru Striped Shirting Bustier, goop, $295;
https://goop.com/g-label-johnson-striped-bodysuit/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Johnson striped bodysuit, goop, $185
-
https://goop.com/g-label-fabian-striped-button-up-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Fabian Striped Button-Up Shirt
goop, $395SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-marney-french-striped-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Marney french-striped shirt
goop, $245SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-simone-tiered-skirt-white/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Simone tiered skirt
goop, $475SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-jasper-cuffed-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
jasper cuffed shorts
goop, $325SHOP NOW
myth 2:
You can’t mix gold and silver jewelry.
Gone are the days of single-tone jewelry stacks. Here to replace them: Spinelli Kilcollin’s one-and-done galaxy rings, a mix of hoops for multiple-piercing people, and, for the wrist, a yellow-gold bangle set against a sparkly diamond bracelet.
Photo courtesy of Spinelli Kilcollin
-
https://goop.com/jennifer-fisher-goop-hoops-7821-33179/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Jennifer Fisher x goop
hoops
goop, $200SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/spinelli-kilcollin-ara-deux-hoop-earrings/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Spinelli Kilcollin
earrings
goop, $1,800SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-dixon-floating-diamond-bangle/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Dixon floating-diamond bangle
goop, $4,800SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/laura-lombardi-icona-earrings/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Laura Lombardi
earrings
goop, $128SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/spinelli-kilcollin-stella-ring/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Spinelli Kilcollin
ring
goop, $8,600SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/mayors-white-gold-flex-diamond-bracelet/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Mayors
bracelet
goop, $5,900SHOP NOW
myth 3:
Wearing socks with sandals is a
fashion faux pas.
This pairing is nearly as divisive as the pineapple-on-pizza debate (or, if you live in LA, the almond-versus-oat-milk debate). We happen to think it’s cute—especially if the sandals in question are quilted Chanels.
ON MODELS:
https://goop.com/g-label-alida-drop-stitch-surf-sweater/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Alida Drop-Stitch Surf Sweater, goop, $675;
https://goop.com/birkenstock-arizona-platform-big-buckle-papillo/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> Birkenstock arizona, goop, $180;
https://thefrankieshop.com/products/lui-organic-cotton-shirt-navy-stripe” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> THE FRANKIE SHOP SHIRT, The Frankie Shop, $185;
https://thefrankieshop.com/products/lui-organic-cotton-boxer-short-navy-stripe” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>THE FRANKIE SHOP SHORTS, The Frankie Shop, $109
-
https://goop.com/birkenstock-arizona-shearling-natural/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Birkenstock
arizona
goop, $160SHOP NOW -
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/the-row/lingerie/socks/ribbed-cashmere-socks/38063312420722219?cm_mmc=Google-ProductSearch-CALI–c-_-NAP_EN_CALI_PLA-_-NAP+-+AM+-+CALI+-+GS+-+SSC+-+Zombie+Products–AM+-+CALI+-+Zombie_AM&gclid=CjwKCAjwmJeYBhAwEiwAXlg0AUtUWYRUtwZ2ZeEa2V3PwaS–wQG0EDB4ms6cXcqu4amwHyiHYl3NRoCHD4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=US_2672507&utm_content=US_GOOP&utm_term=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA&ranMID=24449&ranEAID=4cEL13QXtJY&ranSiteID=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA&siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
The Row
socks
Net-a-Porter, $195SHOP NOW
myth 4:
You shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day.
Historians speculate that this notion originated in the early 1900s, when white was the uniform of choice for wealthy Americans who had the means to flee the city when it got too hot. Upon returning in September, they would swap their light linen suits for darker fall clothing—a practice that probably trickled down to the middle class and eventually became mainstream.
Today, white is seasonless. In the cooler months, choose warm tones like ivory, oat, and cream rather than starker, brighter whites—then ground the look with black accessories.
ON MODEL:
https://goop.com/matin-open-knit-tank/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>Matin tank, goop, $448
-
https://goop.com/g-label-lc-oversized-cardigan/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
lc oversize cardigan
goop, $595SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/matin-open-knit-tank/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Matin
tank
goop, $448SHOP NOW -
https://thefrankieshop.com/products/jane-pleated-pants-cream” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
The Frankie Shop
pants
The Frankie Shop, $148SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-de-la-cruz-pleated-pants/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
de la cruz pleated pants
goop, $495SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/agolde-90s-pinch-waist-jeans-drum/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
AGOLDE
jeans
goop, $178SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/advene-the-age-bag/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Advene
bag
goop, $595SHOP NOW -
https://www.celine.com/en-us/medium-triomphe-belt-in-smooth-calfskin-45AK93A01.38NO.75.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Celine
belt
Celine, $590SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/aeyde-rosa-nappa-leather-flats/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Aeyde
flats
goop, $295SHOP NOW
myth 5:
Your shoes should match your handbag.
Easy? Yes. Imperative? No. While matching your accessories is a failproof way to look instantly more put-together, mixing it up can yield equally chic results.
Photo courtesy of Szymon Brzóska
-
https://goop.com/deiji-studios-the-over-dress/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Deiji Studios
dress
goop, $202SHOP NOW -
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/loewe/bags/shoulder-bags/puzzle-small-leather-shoulder-bag/1647597280472840?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-4cEL13QXtJY-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=US_2672507&utm_content=US_GOOP&utm_term=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&ranMID=24449&ranEAID=4cEL13QXtJY&ranSiteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&linkshare_siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&linkshare_affiliate_mid=24449″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Loewe
bag
Net-a-Porter, $2,850SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/emme-parsons-hope-sandals/p/?taxon_id=1490″ data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Emme Parsons
Sandals
goop, $395SHOP NOW
myth 6:
High-rise > low-rise.
As any Gen Zer in your life will tell you, low-rise is back. For them, that means baggy jeans that hang coolly off the hips. For you, it’s all about the office-friendly pencil skirt: Pair it with an oversize shirt or knit on top, and anchor the look with a belt.
Photo courtesy of Miu Miu
-
https://goop.com/maria-mcmanus-oversized-shirt-sky-blue-poplin/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Maria McManus
Shirt
goop, $480SHOP NOW -
https://www.miumiu.com/us/en/accessories/belts/products.Leather_belt.5CC536_2AIX_F0002.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Miu Miu
belt
Miu Miu, $575SHOP NOW -
https://www.miumiu.com/us/en/ready_to_wear/skirts/products.Prince_of_Wales_check_wool_skirt.MG1776_10DI_F0480.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Miu Miu
skirt
Miu Miu, $1,650SHOP NOW
myth 7:
Black and navy don’t go together.
Certain color combinations, like black and navy (but also black and brown, and black and pink), have a bad rap. The trick to making them work? Opt for soft, earthy tones that complement rather than clash.
-
https://goop.com/g-label-alisha-v-neck-cardigan/p/?” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Alisha v-neck cardigan
goop, $595SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-gloria-bustier-dress/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
gloria bustier dress
goop, $595SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/a-emery-beau-sandals-black/p/?taxon_id=1490″ data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
A Emery
SANDALS
goop, $150SHOP NOW
-
https://toteme-studio.com/products/boat-neck-poplin-blouse-saddle-brown” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Totême
blouse
Totême, $320SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/g-label-fahn-high-waisted-pleated-pants/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
fahn high-waisted pleated pants
goop, $495SHOP NOW -
https://www.fwrd.com/product-aemery-x-matteau-spargi-sandal-in-black/AEMF-WZ17/?d=Womens¤cy=USD&countrycode=US&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuaiXBhCCARIsAKZLt3k7iqKTPcFiWqGtjsWJgQoY6UHmPHgZkVIgvpvisfoMETg-k2UU06AaAugEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
A Emery
Sandals
FWRD, $190SHOP NOW
-
https://goop.com/g-label-johnson-bodysuit/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
G. Label
Johnson bodysuit
goop, $185SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/toteme-silk-organza-slacks/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Totême
slacks
goop, $470SHOP NOW -
https://toteme-studio.com/products/the-flip-flop-flat-black-patent” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
Totême
Flip-flops
Totême, $350SHOP NOW
myth 8:
You can’t wear shorts to the office.
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule anymore, especially if your workplace skews more casual than corporate. You’ll want to avoid anything too tight (menswear-inspired silhouettes are a good choice) or too short (look for a hem that hits at midthigh—about fingertip-length when your arms are resting at your sides). Round out the look with something substantial up top and black, means-business accessories.
ON MODEL:
https://goop.com/nili-lotan-angeline-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> nili lotan shorts, goop, $450;
https://goop.com/g-label-rosa-plaid-shirt-jacket/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> G. label Rosa Plaid Shirt-Jacket, goop, $148.50
-
https://goop.com/maria-mcmanus-split-sleeve-cocoon-cardigan/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Maria McManus
cardigan
goop, $990SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/nili-lotan-angeline-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Nili Lotan
shorts
goop, $450SHOP NOW
Wear It With
-
https://goop.com/aeyde-rosa-nappa-leather-flats/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Aeyde
flats
goop, $295SHOP NOW -
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=4cEL13QXtJY&mid=24449&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fthe-row%2Faccessories%2Fwide%2Fleather-belt%2F43769801095778558%3Fcm_mmc%3DGoogle-ProductSearch-CALI–c-_-NAP_EN_CALI_PLA-_-NAP%2B-%2BAM%2B-%2BCALI%2B-%2BGS%2B-%2BSSC%2B-%2BWhat%2527s%2BNew–AM%2B-%2BCALI%2B-%2BWhat%2527s%2BNew_AM%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe_B8kBU8At2DwWqc_uv0Z7VocFdpnkT3auBAin8p3xlOxUWSNR6F2hoCb-8QAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
The Row
belt
Net-a-Porter, $595SHOP NOW -
https://goop.com/aeyde-henry-calf-leather-boot/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
Aeyde
boots
goop, $672SHOP NOW
Related Reading
https://goop.com/style/ask-an-editor/pieces-we-keep-coming-back-to/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>The Pieces Our Fashion Team Keeps Coming Back To
https://goop.com/style/outfitting-ideas/maximalism-for-minimalists/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Maximalism for Minimalists
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
https://goop.com/style/outfitting-ideas/debunking-style-myths/”>